FEATURE STORY
Not one year in this race’s decorated history can we see a drop off of class or a victory by an ordinary horse. And 2022will be no different. Alreadymaking the trip down the Hume Highway is the world’s fastest horse, Nature Strip, after a scintillating trial in the city of churches. He is on course to become part of an exclusive group of sprinters that have been multiple winners of the event, in the company of Black Caviar, Sky High, Schillaci, Maybe Mahal, Wenona Girl, River Rough and Mahogany.
David Hayes sums up the great race.
“It’s the first glimpse of our very best sprinters and sometimes champion middle-distance racehorses getting ready for richer events. It’s run on a straight track over a thousand metres where rarely an excuse can be found. It’s often run at breakneck speed with only the very best horses being successful. “At the end of the daywe’ll have another outstanding sprinter to make their way into history in this weight-for-age race, which guarantees a special result.”
Nature Strip ridden by Jamie Kah wins the Black Caviar Lightning in 2021. (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)
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